DEFENCE ACT DISCUSSED.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 584, 12 July 1913, Page 5

DEFENCE ACT DISCUSSED.

AN ALTERNATIVE SERVICE. [MY TKI.KGK.U'II. —I'RI'SS ASSOCIATION. J Wellington, This Day. In the House yesterday afternoon, the Hon. Mr Allen made a statement regarding the boys on Ripa Island. There were thirteen boys on the island, some from Canterbury, andi some from the West Coast. He readi reports from Lieut. McDonald, officer in charge of the island, and Dr Newall. Every single charge made* against the treatment at Ripa Island! was groundless. He thought the boys were being misled. Mr Russell said he failed to see how boys who refused to drill should be> put on the Island and asked to clean guns. The Public Works Department should be comunicated with to see if they could not find work for recalcitrants. Mr Isitt said he had sympathy witto the citizens' army, but doubted if tho system established Was best. The first great blunder was the attempt to differentiate between the religious and conscientious objector. The second blunder was the nature of the penalties imposed. FA further mistake was the number of boys not asked to drill nor summonsed for not doing so. He suggested a committee of the House should inquire into the grievances, real or alleged. The Minister said he intenled to set up such a Commission. Mr Myers said there was no justification in the attitude of the objectors at Ripa Island. The Minister could rely on the assistance of the House in carrying out the principles of the Act.